July 19, 2011

Skin Care Help!

I have NO skin care routine. And, here's the worst part, I never wash my face/ wash my make up off before getting in bed.

Yep. I'm one of those people that has nasty mascara stains all over my pillow case. One that just gets in the bed and says to hell with washing my face.

I've always had good skin - never had major breakouts, never had dry skin, never had oily skin. I think that's why I don't have a routine. It's hard (at least for me) to dedicate time to something (my skin) that doesn't have any issues. My wash/exfoliate in the shower worked great for so long!

Things have changed. My skin looks terrible. I'm not sure if it is the stress, the post-pregnancy hormones, the insane heat/ humidity, the new meds I've started, or the fact that I'm lucky if I get one shower over the weekend. Did I just admit that? But something is causing me to break out and have somewhat oily skin.

So, I need your help! I would love to hear what works for you!

My requirements:
*Something easy. I'm about to move into a hospital for 2 months. I don't have 30 minutes to spend on my face now and I know I won't then.
*If something cheap works, great! But, I have no problem putting money towards skin care. However, don't bother recommending your $150 eye cream!
*I have combo skin - it seems my problem areas are my chin and the edges of my face/ hair line. That is where I break out and am oilier. Everywhere else is pretty normal.

I can't wait to see what suggestions you guys have! And, I'll be sure to keep you posted on what I try! I've just got to get these breakouts under control!

When I was in the hospital on bedrest with the twins I used the skin cleansing towelette things from Neutrogena, I really liked them and they were super easy and not messy. I love Clinique's gel moisturizer, it is made for oily skin but I like it because it feels so much lighter then their regular moisturizer does.

I use the Cetpahil face wash for oily/combo skin in the morning and night, and the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (the one for oily skin) at night, or the Aveeno tinted moistuizer w/spf 30 in the morning. Quick, easy, and keeps my skin looking good!

I will ditto the suggestion about the Neutrogena towelettes though. I keep a package on hand for the nights when I'm too lazy to actually wash my face before bed.

For cleansing I just use Cetaphil cleanser. I also can't live without Clinique's Take the Day Off makeup remover. I have very sensitive eyes and it is the only remover I have found that doesn't make my eyes burn.

I use it any time I wash my face. Once waking up, and once before bed. I use to have TERRIBLE skin and I swear this has worked absolute wonders. I have combo skin that breaks out pretty easily and ever since starting this three years ago I almost never see a blemish. I wear 1/2 the makeup I use to thanks to this. Sorry to ramble on and on but I honestly cannot tell you how much this one product changed my skin. It is amazing.

I would recommend the clique line works wonders on my skin its a wash toner and lotion not very exspensive either just got to a counter and they will help u it's wonderful I promise I have already gotten a few mommies on this and now they swear by it !

I have terrible skin - super oily and prone to breakouts. I have tried every face wash, cream, and would even take shots of straight flaxseed oil - but nothing ever worked until I tried a 3-step face wash, toner, and cream called AcneFree. I think it's like $30 at local drugstores (I always buy it when it's on sale). It works wonders for my skin! Then again, I've always had problematic skin so I think it just depends on a person's specific tendencies. The only thing I don't do is exfoliate/moisturize, which I know I should - but my face is oily enough I don't think it needs any extra moisturizer!

I used to use Pro Active...it's good if you have bad skin but it bleaches everything. Now I just use Cetaphil. It works well and is easy enough. Otherwise it's just removing eye makeup with remover (you can also buy almay or other types of towlettes that do this), wash, and moisture with Purpose by J&J.

Given that you're about to be living in a hospital I'd be careful of anything too drastic just b/c you'll be in a different, more controlled environment.

I am a Clinique junkie! My skin has definitely changed post-baby, too. I had more oily skin before and now I have more dry/combo skin. I use the Clinique three step system - don't be afraid of the three steps - it's super easy! I love love love all of their products! You can even go online and take a skin assessment to help you make sure you are getting the right combination. Let me know if you want any more information.. I use their make up, exclusively, too. I'm a serious junkie!

Another Clinique user here! Definitely recommend the make up remover wash and then their 3 step- except I don't use the yellow lotion. I use a redness lotion, it's lighter I think and doesn't clog your pores. Has made a significant difference in my skin and doesn't take more than 5 minutes.

Arbonne Re9 is awesome...its very simple to use, pre measured so you dont waste it, its expensive but worth it, everyone I know who has it looks great! My skin is a lot better since I started using it.

I use Purity by Philosophy as well and Greased lightning by Lush. I go back and forth with using moisterizer. I use a philosophy product in the winter, but not much during the summer. This combo has actually shown the best results for me so far.

I will also say that many times when you first try something, your face has to adjust a bit. Give whatever you use a bit of time to see if it will work for you. Just something a dermatologist told me back in the day!

MH is a dermatologist so I pick his brain all of the time about skin stuff. Chin (and sides of face, jawline, etc) are hormonal and specific to women. Soooo, until your hormones level off you'll have to figure out what works for your skin. I used to have the same problem and used a salicylic acid wash (neutrogena) both day and night, benzoyl peroxide wipes once a day(oxy makes a good one) and a gentle moisturizer without oil, (neutrogena or cetaphil) that combo seemed to work for me. Don't overdo it at first though. Start with the face wash and moisturizer for a couple of days, then add the peroxide wipes every other day until your skin gets used to it. Your skin *might* look a little worse for a few days no matter what route you go but give it time.

I LOVE CellCeuticals- it was created by a plastic surgeon and it's just great! first off it comes in the mail on auto pay- so no running to the store because you run out of something. It's very easy to use and get into the routine. It's great for fine lines (the the begainning of fine lines) I am 30 and am terrified of getting wrinkles and lines. I LOVE it, my skin feels smoother and always feels so clean! It's around $40 a month, and every 60 days you get a 2 month supply.

I have combination skin too. I'm pregnant and I have a toddler with a few (relatively minor) medical issues, so I can relate with the desire to keep it simple.

I love philosophy skin products. I use their Hope in a Jar moisture & purity face wash & hope in a tube eye cream. I also use their microdelivery peel (it is really a scrub) occasionally (every few weeks). The peel is the most time consuming - 3 minutes.

They have a starter kit called Make-Up optional - face wash, moisturizer, eye cream & some facial firming stuff (I can take it or leave it, but the kit is the best deal) & a few samples of the peel that is a great way to see if it works for you.

BTW, I tried the kits for dry/sensitive skin and acne prone skin and neither worked as well for me as the regular line.

On an off topic side note, I was at our children's hospital today with my daughter and saw a tag on a stroller with a stop sign that basically said "Please don't touch me." It seemed like something that might be useful for you for public outings.

So after Connor was born, I visited my dermatologist for a mole check, etc.

Her best advice? Neutrogena skin care. She uses it. I switched from Cetaphil and wow! World of difference. I like how she was down to earth and willing to let me know the truth about even great skin care procedures she doesn't believe in.

Another confession? I don't wash my face at night, either. However, I rarely wear make up so I don't feel the urgency to do it at night either.

I totally recommend Aveeno Clear Complexion Cleanser. Its a creme anti-acne exfoliating face wash, seems like an oxymoron but it works for my combo, sensitive skin. Also, the price is hard to beat! I do occasionally use one of their spf lotions if my skin is dry or irritated. Hope you find something that works for you :)

I can totally relate as I have very easy skin and never had to bother with washing my face, removing make-up, moisturizing, etc. When I got pregnant I started to have issues and began to use the Clarisonic mia it's a device that basically washes your face for you and times out when you should be done (30 seconds I believe) and the best part is that you only have to use it a few times a week, some skin types can't handle it every day. It charges up and stays charged for weeks at a time, at least for me since I only use it a few times a week. It can be used in the shower or wherever. I use mine in the shower since I'm already in there and that works best for me. It's small and easy to take places.

For skin care products I rotate between Kate Somerville ( http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P232902&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5946 ) and Renee Rouleau ( http://www.reneerouleau.com/ ). Renee Rouleau is kinda expensive but lasts forever since you only use a tiny bit. I use the luxe mint Cleansing gel and the AHA/BHA cleansing gel and can't live without either of the. Both very refreshing!

I'm a big Lush fan, but their cleansers aren't always easy. I have easy skin too -- bordering on dry, and I'm spoiled with it.

Lush Angels on Bare Skin is lovely, or Aquamarina if it's feeling sensitive. The have a liquid called 9 to 5 which is super easy and gentle - smooth on, then wipe off with a cotton pad and toner or a wet wash rag. Their Breath or Fresh Air is nice to spritz on your face when it needs a refresher too...